Instrumental arrangement, with variations, of a satirical anonymous parlour song about a clergyman's fortunate facility to switch religious principles in order to ensure himself the best opportunities by following the preferences of the country's ever changing rulers.Though often believed to refer to a historical figure, the truth of the matter is unknown.

There are two versions of the flute trio available, one with piccolo and 2 flutes and one with piccolo, flute and alto flute.

The sound sample is an electronic preview.

The pdf contains score and parts.

The original words are:

In good King Charles's golden days,

When Loyalty no harm meant;

A Zealous High-Church man I was,

And so I gain'd Preferment.

Unto my Flock I daily Preach'd,

Kings are by God appointed,

And Damn'd are those who dare resist,

Or touch the Lord's Anointed.

And this is law, I will maintain

Unto my Dying Day, Sir.

That whatsoever King may reign,

I'll be the Vicar of Bray, Sir!

When Royal James posses'd the crown,

And popery grew in fashion;

The Penal Law I shouted down,

And read the Declaration:

The Church of Rome I found would fit

Full well my Constitution,

And I had been a Jesuit,

But for the Revolution.

And this is Law, etc.

When William our Deliverer came,

To heal the Nation's Grievance,

I turn'd the Cat in Pan again,

And swore to him Allegiance:

Old Principles I did revoke,

Set conscience at a distance,

Passive Obedience is a Joke,

A Jest is non-resistance.

And this is Law, etc.

When Royal Anne became our Queen,

Then Church of England's Glory,

Another face of things was seen,

And I became a Tory:

Occasional Conformists base

I Damn'd, and Moderation,

And thought the Church in danger was,

From such Prevarication.

And this is Law, etc.

When George in Pudding time came o'er,

And Moderate Men looked big, Sir,

My Principles I chang'd once more,

And so became a Whig, Sir.

And thus Preferment I procur'd,

From our Faith's great Defender

And almost every day abjured

The Pope, and the Pretender.

And this is Law, etc.

The Illustrious House of Hanover,

And Protestant succession,

To these I lustily will swear,

Whilst they can keep possession:

For in my Faith, and Loyalty,

I never once will faulter,

But George, my lawful king shall be,

Except the Times should alter.

And this is Law, etc.

About SMP Press

This product was created by a member of SMP Press, our global community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. Our independent musicians have created unique compositions and arrangements for the Sheet Music Plus community, many of which are not available anywhere else.

Click here to see more titles from these independent creators and to learn more about SMP Press.

Please note this product may not be eligible for all sales, promotions or coupons offered through Sheet Music Plus - please check promotional details for specifics.

About Digital Downloads

Digital Downloads are downloadable sheet music files that can be viewed directly on your computer, tablet or mobile device. Once you download your digital sheet music, you can view and print it at home, school, or anywhere you want to make music, and you don’t have to be connected to the internet. Just purchase, download and play!

PLEASE NOTE: Your Digital Download will have a watermark at the bottom of each page that will include your name, purchase date and number of copies purchased. You are only authorized to print the number of copies that you have purchased. You may not digitally distribute or print more copies than purchased for use (i.e., you may not print or digitally distribute individual copies to friends or students).

Instrumental arrangement, with variations, of a satirical anonymous parlour song about a clergyman's fortunate facility to switch religious principles in order to ensure himself the best opportunities by following the preferences of the country's ever changing rulers.Though often believed to refer to a historical figure, the truth of the matter is unknown.

There are two versions of the flute trio available, one with piccolo and 2 flutes and one with piccolo, flute and alto flute.

The sound sample is an electronic preview.

The pdf contains score and parts.

The original words are:

In good King Charles's golden days,

When Loyalty no harm meant;

A Zealous High-Church man I was,

And so I gain'd Preferment.

Unto my Flock I daily Preach'd,

Kings are by God appointed,

And Damn'd are those who dare resist,

Or touch the Lord's Anointed.

And this is law, I will maintain

Unto my Dying Day, Sir.

That whatsoever King may reign,

I'll be the Vicar of Bray, Sir!

When Royal James posses'd the crown,

And popery grew in fashion;

The Penal Law I shouted down,

And read the Declaration:

The Church of Rome I found would fit

Full well my Constitution,

And I had been a Jesuit,

But for the Revolution.

And this is Law, etc.

When William our Deliverer came,

To heal the Nation's Grievance,

I turn'd the Cat in Pan again,

And swore to him Allegiance:

Old Principles I did revoke,

Set conscience at a distance,

Passive Obedience is a Joke,

A Jest is non-resistance.

And this is Law, etc.

When Royal Anne became our Queen,

Then Church of England's Glory,

Another face of things was seen,

And I became a Tory:

Occasional Conformists base

I Damn'd, and Moderation,

And thought the Church in danger was,

From such Prevarication.

And this is Law, etc.

When George in Pudding time came o'er,

And Moderate Men looked big, Sir,

My Principles I chang'd once more,

And so became a Whig, Sir.

And thus Preferment I procur'd,

From our Faith's great Defender

And almost every day abjured

The Pope, and the Pretender.

And this is Law, etc.

The Illustrious House of Hanover,

And Protestant succession,

To these I lustily will swear,

Whilst they can keep possession:

For in my Faith, and Loyalty,

I never once will faulter,

But George, my lawful king shall be,

Except the Times should alter.

And this is Law, etc.

About SMP Press

This product was created by a member of SMP Press, our global community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. Our independent musicians have created unique compositions and arrangements for the Sheet Music Plus community, many of which are not available anywhere else.

Click here to see more titles from these independent creators and to learn more about SMP Press.

Please note this product may not be eligible for all sales, promotions or coupons offered through Sheet Music Plus - please check promotional details for specifics.

About Digital Downloads

Digital Downloads are downloadable sheet music files that can be viewed directly on your computer, tablet or mobile device. Once you download your digital sheet music, you can view and print it at home, school, or anywhere you want to make music, and you don’t have to be connected to the internet. Just purchase, download and play!

PLEASE NOTE: Your Digital Download will have a watermark at the bottom of each page that will include your name, purchase date and number of copies purchased. You are only authorized to print the number of copies that you have purchased. You may not digitally distribute or print more copies than purchased for use (i.e., you may not print or digitally distribute individual copies to friends or students).

Preview: Variations on the Vicar of Bray for flute trio (piccolo, flute and alto flute)

We cannot post your review if it violates these guidelines. If you have any suggestions or comments on the guidelines, please email us.

All submitted reviews become the licensed property of Sheet Music Plus and are subject to all laws pertaining thereto. If you believe that any review contained on our site infringes upon your copyright, please email us.

Learn about MP3s

After purchase, you can download your MP3 from your Sheet Music Plus Digital Library - no software installation is necessary! You can also listen to your MP3 at any time in your Digital Library.

Learn about Smart Music

After purchase, you can download your Smart Music from your Sheet Music Plus Digital Library - no software installation is necessary! You can also download at any time in your Digital Library.

Learn about Digital Video

After purchase you can download your video from your Digital Library. Your video is in XX format and is playable on most pre-installed video players.

Music Lists

Error!Sorry but your review could not be submitted, please verify the form and try again.

* = required

Music List Name

Description

(optional)

Music Lists

Make a wish list for gifts, suggest standard repertoire, let students know which books to buy, boast about pieces you've mastered: Music Lists are as unique as the musician! Easily share your music lists with friends, students, and the world.